Athletes of the Week

Michael Nishiyama
Track & Field

Michael Nishiyama returned home from his weekend at York University’s OUA Track and Field Championship three medals heavier. The fourth-year civil engineering major earned a silver medal in the men’s 4×800 relay event, and placed fifth in his individual 600m race.

The team was left disappointed by their 4×400 relay event against McMaster, where the Marauders beat them by only 0.06 seconds for the last podium spot. Nishiyama said that this loss had the Gaels buzzing.

“After racing and placing where we did, we had discussions about what we can do better, areas we need to strengthen, and what we’ve done right in the event and want to do again,” he said, “We don’t make mistakes we’ve made before.” Despite the close loss, Nishiyama says relay events are his favourite of the sport.

“I really like it because during the relays you get the entire team backing you, and it makes for an exciting race,” he said, adding that a team’s healthy dynamic positively reflects on the track.

“The teams for the 4×400 are all graduating this year, so we’ve all been training with each other for four years. It really solidifies what we’ve been doing out there on the track,” he said.

Nishiyama, who is hoping to return to Queen’s next year for a master’s civil engineering program, believes that it’s not tricks or tips that make an athlete strong.

“Whatever you’re striving for, it’s dedication,” he said, “It’s what puts you through all the way to the end. It’s what’s going to earn you your medals.”

Terra-Ann Arnone

Mel Dodd-Moher
Women’s Hockey

The women’s hockey team has dominated in the second half of the season. After defeating the Laurier Golden Hawks in the semifinals last weekend, the Gaels have made the finals for the first time since 2007.

Going into the series, the Gaels had never advanced past the Golden Hawks who had a 1-8 playoff advantage on Queens. Laurier was ranked second in the CIS and in their last game had defeated the Gaels 8-1.

Dodd-Moher said the team felt good going into the semifinals.

“With Laurier being the seven-time defending champions, it was a bit intimidating,” she said. “We just wanted to play our game. If we did that for 60 minutes, we could win.”

The Gaels have been riding Dodd-Moher’s hot play in their playoff run. Since their 10-game winning streak began on Jan. 23 against Western, Dodd-Moher has started for seven games. This momentum has earned Dodd-Moher the start in net for all three playoff games.

The Gaels have won three double overtime games in order to get to the OUA finals against the Guelph Gryphons. The series began Wednesday night in another intense six overtime game. Dodd-Moher said the extra periods are tough on the team. “You’ve got to just take it one shift at a time, one period at a time,” she said. “Every period should be played as an overtime period.”

The Gaels are aware of tough competition they face in the finals. The Gryphons ousted the Gaels last year in the semifinals. After going 2-1 against Guelph in the regular season, the Gaels look to advance to the CIS Championship with a series win over the nationally ranked Gryphons.

“We’re excited,” she said. “We lost to them last year in the semifinals. There’s a little bit of revenge there.”

Kate Bascom

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